Crane Expo Highlights Product Innovation
Published in: Construction News
Date: 3/5/2007
The Manitowoc Crane Group welcomed over 800 customers and dealer representatives from around the world at its Crane Expo demonstration event in Shady Grove, Pa., October 16–20. Throughout the week, MCG had nearly two dozen of its Manitowoc, Grove, National Crane, and Potain lifting products on display. Many of these cranes were introduced this year.
“MCG is firmly committed to developing new products based on customer need,” said Dave Birkhouser, senior vice president of sales for the Americas. “This means that each and every one of the cranes highlighted at this event was designed to help our customers become more productive and more profitable,” he said.
Two new Grove all-terrain cranes were on hand: the GMK5275, a 275-ton, five-axle crane with a 223-foot seven-section full-power boom; and the GMK4115, a 115-ton unit with a 170-foot six-section boom. Other Gr ove products on display included the RT535E, a 35-ton rough-terrain crane which features a rectangular boom designed to eliminate weight and increase capacity; and the RT530E-2, which has the same chassis, superstructure and electronics system as the RT535E, but has a 95-foot boom and a 30-ton capacity. This crane also features a Tier III engine.
The Manitowoc brand was also represented. The Model 16000, a 440-ton crawler sported its new MAX-ER lift enhancing attachment as well as its new 138-foot luffing jib. Manitowoc also announced its new Model 14000, a fully hydraulic 220-ton crawler crane.
Also on display was the National 13100H, a stand-up control boom truck featuring an “Easy Reach” console, which can be quickly and easily moved to either side of the truck bed. The 684HTM was also on hand from National. This 600-series tractor-mounted crane features a 84-foot boom and hydraulically actuated “out and down” outriggers.
Manitowoc Crane CARE hosted a live demonstration of the new “e-training” program. The program features online courses in basic mechanical and pneumatic systems, as well as mobile hydraulic and mobile electric systems for cranes.
Since MCG began hosting the Crane Expo demonstration in the mid 1990s, this will be the largest event ever held.
John Wheeler, executive vice president for the Americas, attributed the event popularity to not only a booming crane market, but also MCG’s focus on superior customer service. “Our focus on customer care distinguishes us in the market place,” he said. “The people attending our event this week are not simply customers, they are business partners. Through our innovative products, Crane CARE program and distinguished dealer network, MCG strives to provide these partners with the resources they need to get the job done effectively and efficiently.”